Buildings have a tremendous impact on our health and well-being
In the midst of the pandemic, we are continuing to focus on the role our buildings have in our lives and determining how they can best be managed to support and guide your return to the office. This site will offer the latest information and resources to help you prepare.
Committee members
Real Estate Executive Leadership
Head of Asset Management, North America
Scott Gordon
Global Chief Operating Officer
Erik Gustafson
Co-Chairs
Managing Director, U.S.A.
Michael Basic
Managing Director, Canada
Stephen Nicoletti
Committee Representatives
Administration
Corporate Real Estate
HR
Leasing
Legal
Property Management
Sustainability
Technical Services
A letter from our return to office committee
It's during moments of great hardship and adversity that our values are tested. It's also during these moments that we’ve become acutely aware of the strength of our team. We are humbled by the immensity of the pandemic, the impact it's had on our communities, and by the efforts of each and every one of our employees who have tirelessly done their best to navigate these unprecedented times.
Now more than ever, we've come together to focus on a common goal: to provide safer and healthier spaces for our tenants, employees, and partners. We are proud to have achieved Fitwel Viral Response Module (VRM) with distinction at the entity level. Through innovative collaboration with health experts and industry leaders, the VRM identifies strategies to meet the unique challenges associated with COVID-19 pandemic and other respiratory diseases. This rigorous third-party certification demonstrates our policies and practices are optimized to mitigate the spread of contagious diseases in our building within North America.
We'll continue to regularly monitor building occupancy across our portfolio and identify additional ways to support our tenants and property teams.
Should you have any questions or concerns regarding the information we’ve provided, please don't hesitate to contact your local property management team.
We're in this together.
Supporting a safe, sustainable return
Manulife Investment Management achieved Fitwel® Viral Response Module (VRM) certification with distinction at the entity-level, a further commitment to sustainability efforts across its real estate portfolio and ongoing focus on the health and wellbeing of its tenants, employees, and partners. Fitwel is the leading global standard for building certification focused on occupant health and wellbeing. The VRM was developed in response to the broad health impacts of the pandemic through innovative collaboration with health experts and industry leaders. This rigorous third-party certification demonstrates our policies and practices are optimized to mitigate the spread of contagious diseases in our buildings within North America.
Our six key categories
We continue to focus on the role of buildings in our lives and contemplating how they can be managed amidst COVID-19. We have identified six key categories and recommended measures to ensure the safe return of employees, tenants, visitors, and contractors.
Building and common areas
- Building entrances
- Lobbies and seating area
- Building amenities
- Elevator, stairwell, and escalator usage
Operations and building systems
- HVAC systems
- Water systems
- Cleaning and sanitization
- Supplies and equipment
Tenant spaces
- Available resources
- Development of best practices
Tenant improvements
- Health and safety plans
- Access to building and work areas
- Contractor agreements and best practices
Leasing and tour protocol
- Virtual leasing tours
- Digital marketing and advertising
- Open house and broker events
Communications and building signage
- Tenant surveys
- Building-specific notices
- Social distancing and return to office protocol
Disclaimer: The information contained here is intended for informational purposes only, as a resource for our tenants; however, tenants should seek their own specific professional advice concerning the use of their individual leased spaces. We do not warrant the accuracy or completeness of this information, and we assume no responsibility or liability for any injury or damage to persons or property arising out of or related to any use of this information or for any errors or omissions herein. The COVID-19 outbreak is an ongoing, rapidly developing situation; therefore, the information here may not reflect the most current developments. Public health regulations and guidelines or requirements issued by federal, state, and local governments or agencies will supersede the information shown here. All public safety codes, building codes, applicable laws, and security requirements must continue to be followed.